Abstract [en]

Women’s bodies are often used in advertising as decorative objects. They are oftendepicted in submissive roles and are usually presented as if their task is to satisfymen. This means that women in advertising are often objectified or sexualized, andthis type of advertising has increased since the 1960s. But this type of advertisinghas consequences. The sexualized ads can affect women's well-being and may implyself-objectification, eating disorders and depression, etc. The purpose of this studyis to understand consumers’ knowledge and attitude toward advertising directed tomen in which women are sexualized, as well as the consequences they include. Tostudy this, a qualitative method has been used in the form of a survey. A total of 438students at Högskolan Dalarna have answered questions based on a theoreticalframework within attitude regarding emotions, behavior and perception. The resultsdemonstrate a high level of knowledge and awareness about the subject. It alsoappears that the majority of consumers have a negative attitude towards sexualizedwomen in advertising directed to men. However, a difference was observed in howmen and women perceive advertising with sexualization where women tend to havea more negative attitude than men.